A/N: Hello again guys. I hope you are enjoying my story so far! Be sure to review please! Also let me know if there is anything I can do to improve the story! I plan for it to be a long one. Any feedback is welcomed however please keep in mind I am out of practice and try not to go too hard on me lol. Once again sorry if something seems OOC! I am not writing strictly canon time frames either. Thank you all for reading!

I do NOT own Naruto or any of its series or books.

Just the idea of this storyline

Enjoy (:

HINATA'S POV

My palms were sweating as I listened to Naruto-Kun talk to Sasuke. They sure do argue a lot for best friends... I noticed Sakura walk over to me and giggle while giving me the look. I squeaked because I knew that this look meant it was gossip time. It sure has been nice having a girl to talk about all this stuff I have going on with Naruto. She grabbed my hand, yanking me off the couch as I shot Naruto an apologetic smile. We went to her bedroom, where so many of our girl chats have come about and she slammed the door behind us. I looked at her with wide eyes as I felt the heat burn in my cheeks. She leaned her back against the door and grinned her pearly whites at me. "Okay Hinata spill." she probed with a knowing look. I smiled shyly while looking down.

I was dying to tell someone but it still makes me a bit nervous to talk about my personal life with someone other than who it involved. "Aright, alright Sakura.." I sighed sitting back on the bed. She walked over sitting next to me pulling her pillow to her lap. She sat at attention ready for me to fill her in. "Well.. we still haven't... you know. Um.. well we didn't get that far. He tried and we got really close to ya know. Went to 2nd base.. and I was going to let it get there but.. I panicked. Once he started to take off his shirt I freaked out... I don't know what to do, what to wear, or how to even act in that type of situation.. I just get so flustered!" I cried flopping back on the bed. "Has he mentioned anything about being official yet?" She questioned. "No, not yet. I'm not sure what we are. I mean, we go on dates and hang out alone together. I also know he isn't talking to anyone else. But it's been 6 months and of course we have already kissed but we never talk about what we are. No label has been given yet and it's giving me mixed signals.. Maybe he isn't interested in a relationship the way that I am. Or maybe he isn't ready? I just... I don't know, I'm so confused!" I sighed looking out the window.

My frustration was boiling out, while the worry had started to also seep in. Sakura chuckled and got up off the bed walking to her dresser. "You know how Naruto is Hinata! He practically has the brain of a 12 year old boy still! He isn't very smooth.. ya know, and being subtle is most certainly not a strong point for him. He might just be nervous, or maybe just doesn't know how to bring it up properly." Sakura shrugged. Maybe she was right. Am I overthinking? "Usually men can go to their fathers for advice on something like this... He kind of doesn't have too many ideal options to ask this stuff about." She sighed, turning back to me. "I mean hey the only male role models the poor guy has ever had are either obsessed with that godforsaken Make Out Paradise book or is the one who wrote it!" She laughed. "Something tells me that book doesn't properly outline asking a girl to be your girlfriend and more than likely it just skips a few steps while getting straight to the baby making!" We both laughed.

She smiled back at me before rolling her eyes and turning back to the dresser before continuing. "Well, as far as how to act, I don't know what to tell you other than to just be yourself. You know Naruto! He is just as inexperienced as you! He won't care how you act as long as he's with you. I'm not telling you that you should or shouldn't do anything. Especially if you feel pressured or not ready. However if you are ready, I may have just the thing to help with what to wear. Ino-Pig got me this for my past birthday and let's get real. The only person I'd ever let see me in this, wouldn't even happen in my dreams. Let alone any time soon..." She grumbled reaching into the back of her drawer. My eyes bulged and cheeks burned a brighter red than the revealing scraps of lace she held up against her. Sakura tugged the garment to her while showing me the slits and designed on the fabric. "Wh-wh-what are those for?" I stammered out pointing to the holes in the fabric. She chuckled and pointed to her lower region while making provocative movements.

I couldn't help the scream that came out of my throat and she chuckled. If I wasn't nervous then I most certainly was now! The door flung open not even a second later to reveal a wide eyed Naruto and Sasuke. They looked around trying to assess the situation before both sets of eyes bulged out of their sockets. My eyes jumped back to Sakura who looked as though I felt- like we were both able to melt into a puddle and evaporate into thin air- that would be nice right about now. Naruto formed a sweat droplet on his head and looked like he was going to cry. "Uh, Sa-Sakura-Chan... Um.. What're you doing?" Naruto questioned hesitantly. All eyes jumped back to Sakura as she was visibly the shade of a tomato ready to be plucked. "NARUTO HAVEN'T YOU EVER HEARD OF KNOCKING! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING JUST WALKING INTO A GIRL'S BEDROOM WITHOUT ASKING FIRST! I'VE ONLY TOLD YOU A MILLION TIMES!" She screamed, swinging her fist knocking him square in the temple.

Sasuke caught him before he hit the floor and looked up wide eyed back to Sakura like he had just got caught cheating on a test by his sensei. Sakura huffed as Naruto stood back up rubbing his head. "Sakura-Chan, I didn't mean to barge in here ya know. I just heard Hinata scream and my instincts kicked in! I was worried about her!" He whined while looking over at me. My shy smile appeared when we locked eyes and I couldn't help but feel like it was just us two right there. "Uh...Um my apologies you guys.. I-I didn't mean to.. uh.. startle you. I was just taken by surprise is all." I mumbled out looking down at the bed. There was a brief moment of awkward silence before Sakura laughed nervously "Yeah, haha. Just a misunderstanding is all. Just two girls haha trying on clothes. I was just trying to find some.. um... garments to pack for the trip.." She joked looking around. I glanced over at the boys and they were looking everywhere but at the garment in Sakura's hands. Naruto blinked a few times before continuing. "Oh, yeah haha. Cool um so uh. Looks like you guys have that all covered. Haha...Um, do you need a hand?" Naruto chuckled nervously. "Sure, Naruto, you can clean out the fridge and pantry. Donate the food to the children's shelter nearby. I won't be able to eat it all before it goes bad and it would be a shame to let it go to waste while there are people who can use it." Sakura said while giving a bright smile and shrugging.

I looked back at Naruto and he was looking at her with a smug face. "Uh sure thing Sakura-Chan! Hinata, would you like to come with me?" He smiled while looking over at me. I looked at him and then back to Sakura. "Go ahead. I've got it covered here Hinata. I'll be fine!" She laughed, shooing me up off the bed. "Okay Naruto-Kun. I will help." I said walking over to him. He smiled big at me while grabbing my hand pulling me down the hall and ushering me into the kitchen. Maybe Sakura was right and maybe I was just overthinking things too much. No need to complicate a good thing. Naruto-Kun is the sweetest guy ever. He always has his unique way of doing things and always accomplishes something when he puts his mind to it. We don't have to rush and put titles on things. Especially since we'd be together on this mission for quite some time. I smiled looking over at him as he started pulling food from the cabinets examining the contents with his mouth watering. "Sakura-Chan, does ALL of this have to go to the kids? Ya know I love this stuff too!" He yelled, rubbing his stomach. I chuckled and shook my head. "You can have one thing Naruto and that's it, the rest goes to the shelter!" Sakura yelled from her room.

I peeked my head down the hall to notice Sasuke had made his way out of the hall and into the room with Sakura. I heard her laughter float down the hall and thought to myself that I hoped their bond could grow the same as I hoped mine and Naruto-Kun's would grow... By the time I had come out of my thoughts, Naruto had gathered up the last of the food, packing it all into bags and placing as many as his arms would hold. I giggled and grabbed a few off of his arms and smiled up at him. He grinned back at me with his eyes closed. "Alright Sakura-Chan! We got all of it ready. Do you need anything else?!" He yelled down the hall to her bedroom. "No. That will be all Naruto! Arigato you guys! Also Hinata, make sure he doesn't hoard any of the food for himself and please see to it that he actually drops it off to the children!" She chuckled, coming into view at her bedroom door. "Ah, man Sakura! What kind of guy do you think I am!" Naruto groaned before putting on his shoes and opening the door. "Oh and Hinata?" Sakura said, walking up to me to whisper in my ear. I felt a hand tug into my purse. I looked down just as she whispered "Just in case." She smiled, pulling back. My face burnt instantly as I caught a glimpse of the red lace she had shoved in my bag before closing it back up. She laughed as I hurriedly slid on my shoes and followed Naruto, who was giving us both a curious look, out the door. Man, was I glad to have the cold air hit my cheeks, but something told me that it wouldn't cool my face down enough for Naruto not to notice...

SASUKE POV

I heard the front door to Sakura's house shut before sounds of footsteps padded down the hallway. Sakura walked into her room and chuckled to herself. "That Naruto never changes." She giggled pushing her braid behind her shoulder and grabbing a sealing scroll off of a shelf. I stared at her curiously. It had been awhile since I had really got to look at her. It felt like this was the first time I was seeing her and actually was seeing her for who she is. Her light pink hair had now grown long again and was braided with little pieces framing her face. Her body was slim yet very toned. She looked much shorter than I remembered her being. She glanced up looking me in the eyes, catching me staring at her. Her green eyes glistened as her face grew light pink. "You know Sasuke-Kun, you don't really have to stay and help if you don't want to. It shouldn't take me too long anyway.." She said while walking to the closet. Was I intruding? Maybe I should take my leave. "Hn." I muttered while still standing without moving. This kind of stuff all felt new to me. "Well if you insist." She laughed, rolling her eyes and handing me a few scrolls of my own. "Seal all of these medical scrolls and books away for me please, also don't forget the ones on the very top!" She smiled. I nodded and turned to her bookshelf. There were so many different books and scrolls. Had she really read all of these? I wouldn't doubt it with someone as smart as she is. Sakura started to hum as she packed away her closet.

Memories of my mother played in my head of her singing the same song. This was something she used to do while doing chores around the house. I wasn't sure what to make of the situation. Why am I here? What am I doing? Nothing really makes sense to me anymore. All the things that I thought I was right about for so long turned up to be false. Was I just complicating things by dragging Sakura and Naruto back into my fucked up life? I need to get a grip. I promised Sakura before I left on my journey to atone for my sins that I would work on building our bond as friends. Did she know I meant it in that way? Surely she hadn't been waiting around for me all this time. Did I even want her to wait on me? I don't know what I want or even when things become so confusing. One thing is for certain, that the woman humming beside me most certainly is not the same as the annoying 12 year old genin I left behind while searching for power.. I finished sealing the last of the scrolls and books and turned to see Sakura packing up the last of the clothes she was going to bring. "That's about it!" She grinned, looking up at me. "Hn." I mumbled back. She gathered the scrolls we finished sealing and put them into her pack, followed by her nin-pouch after checking it was filled with the proper weapons. "I'll have to stop by the hospital to drop off some paperwork and pick up some supplies." She said while zipping up her bag, " Would you like to accompany me?" Sakura questioned looking over at me. I nodded following her out of the room. Sakura pulled on a hat and coat then grabbed her keys while slipping on her boots. I followed suit donning my cloak and shoes. I opened the door and the cold wind blew around me. The snow had fallen much thicker than earlier leaving a thin layer sticking to the ground.

The sun had started to set and temperatures were decreasing rapidly. "Boy is it cold out here!" Sakura complained while rubbing her hands together. I looked around trying to take in our location. The hospital was about a 15 minute walk from here. I turned to Sakura, placing my hand on her arm. "Sa-Sasuke-Kun what are you-" She had started to say before I activated my rinnegan and teleported us to the front of the hospital. "Doing." She finished looking around surprised. "Oh, I see. You didn't need to do that Sasuke-Kun. I can handle the cold!" She chuckled, glancing at me. "We need everyone in good health before our mission. No big deal." I muttered releasing my hard from her arm. Her face fell then she looked down and mumbled an 'oh' before walking up the stairs into the hospital. I followed behind her. She took a deep breath before smiling at the receptionist and walking towards the elevators. We climbed inside and she clicked the top floor before facing away from me. What is that about? She didn't say a word as we waited for the elevator to finally reach the top. Once the doors finally opened she plastered another smile on her face while walking down the hall greeting people who passed before stopping at a door reading "DR. SAKURA HARUNO" she unlocked it while walking in and I followed once again. Sakura then sat at her desk pulling her paperwork out of her bag and started to file it away. While she was occupied with that I took a look around.

Her office was quite large with a window viewing most of the village. So much had changed since I was here last. The buildings were bigger and more of them. People filled the streets all going about their evenings even with the snow blanketing it. I glanced around some more. There was a black couch against the wall with a pillow and blanket folded on the back. Was Sakura sleeping here often? Pictures hung on the walls of Sakura at many different places with many different people. There was a picture of her with Ino and someone who looked like Gara standing in front of a big building that looked to be in Suna. This must have been at the children's center Naruto said she had helped create. The next picture was of Sakura, Naruto, Sai, and another man I believe to be named Yamato. They all seemed uncomfortable or annoyed. Except Sai who just seemed plain creepy. There were a few more pictures of Sakura with Naruto from over the years.

A weird feeling flooded my chest. I sighed. I have missed so much. So much time that I have lost with my friends. All of those wasted years for nothing. So many things that I never got to witness or experience first hand and I can never get any of that back. I glanced around the room thinking if I quit looking at these pictures it would relieve this tension or whatever it was that I am feeling.

I felt eyes on me so I looked up. Sakura was giving me a concerned look. "Are you okay Sasuke-Kun?" She questioned, still staring at me. My chest still felt tight but I took a breath and pulled my emotions together the best I could manage before replying. "Hn." I nodded. She didn't look convinced she stood and walked towards me until she came to a stand still right in front of me. Looking up with her glossy eyes into my blank face she spoke softly. "Sasuke-Kun, I know we aren't really close but you know you can talk to me right?" She questioned. More tightness. A pained look shot across her face. The tightness increased in my chest. Why am I feeling like this? "Feeling like what?" She asked, grabbing my hand. I flinched at first before the tightness lessened. Did I accidentally speak out loud? "My.. chest. it.. it feels... tight." I finally spoke. But my voice was hoarse. She pulled me down to a sitting position on the couch and placed her hand to the pulse on my neck. I refrained from moving away at her touch. "Sasuke-Kun, I need you to take some deep breaths for me, okay? Your heart is racing." She demanded not moving her fingers. I focused my mind and inhaled against the tightness in my chest. After a few seconds I exhaled focusing only on the way her soft fingers felt on my skin. I repeated this for a few times until the tightness was bearable. "Is that better?" She asked while studying my face intently. I nodded. Still focusing on her fingers while closing my eyes.

After a few minutes she moved her hand off of my neck and my eyes flew open. What just happened. "I think you had a panic attack Sasuke-Kun" Sakura responded knowingly. A panic attack? That can't be right. "Tch, I don't think so I'm fine." I scoffed looking away. "It's completely normal ya know? Especially after everything you have been through Sasuke. Feeling your emotions is a normal thing especially after suppressing them for so long. It really isn't healthy to bottle them up for so long or as frequently as you do... Coming home after being gone for as long as you were and seeing everything you remember change can cause a lot of the feelings that you are experiencing." Sakura explained. I stayed quiet for a long while thinking about what she had said. Finally looking back at her I spoke. "How do I make them less confusing?" Her gaze softened. "By letting yourself feel them, and talking to someone you trust. I'm not saying you have to talk to me Sasuke, but you do need to talk to someone. Or else that tightness. That awful feeling you just felt. It's going to keep coming back until you do.'' She said, putting her hand on my knee. I glanced down looking at her hand on my knee. I can't go back to my old ways. I had promised myself that after my final battle with Naruto. I know if I keep feeling what I felt just then I would go back to destruction without a doubt. A long moment later I took a deep breath still staring at her hand on me. I know I am not ready to talk yet but like she said, just knowing someone would be there when I was ready made me feel relieved.

"Arigato Sakura." I gazed into her eyes seeing the girl who has always had my best interests at heart. "For everything." I murmured. Her face told it all as she smiled brightly back at me and bowed her head letting me know she understood. After that we gathered the supplies that were needed for our mission and sealed them away. Before she shut the door to her office she sighed glancing back and did a sad smile then locked the door. "10 months will fly by, right?" She asked as we locked eyes. "Hn." I nodded. She smiled back at me and walked back to the elevator. Many people we passed waved and wished her safe travels and to hurry and return as soon as she could. We exited the hospital. It was dark outside by this point and the temperatures were no better. I once again stepped closer to Sakura placing my hand on the small of her back before teleporting us to her house. She reached in her purse to grab the keys as I started to turn to walk away when she called to me, "Where are you staying tonight?" I paused before turning back to her. "Naruto's" I said watching her face. Some emotions flashed across her face before she laughed. "I wouldn't count on that tonight, I think Naruto is busy with entertaining other company . I have an extra room. You're more than welcome to it." She smiled while giggling then turning to walk inside leaving the door open. It took me a minute to realize what she had meant. So the Hyuga girl huh? That dobe. I shook my head trying to clear out the bad images before following behind her and closing the door.